Filter assembly for frying oil or other liquids and an associated valve assembly

ABSTRACT

A filter assembly is provided. Embodiments of the filter assembly allow for the continuous filtering of the frying oil, while the fryer is on-line. The filter assembly may include a dirty chamber, a clean chamber, a pump configured to suck the frying oil through the chambers, and a toggle clamp configured to move the filter assembly between a closed configuration and an opened configuration. In the opened configuration, the filter assembly is configured to seal a filter media portion between the two chambers. The pump is configured to suck oil into the dirty chamber and through the filter media and into the clean chamber in order to filter dirt from the oil. In the opened configuration, the filter assembly is configured to allow the removal of now dirty filter media portion from between the chambers and the insertion of a new clean filter media portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/054,181, filed May 19, 2008, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to filter assemblies for filtering aliquid, such as frying oil, and associated valve assemblies forconnecting the filter assemblies with the sources of the liquid.

2. Description of Related Art

Many food products served in retail restaurants are fried in cooking oilor shortening either at atmospheric or elevated pressures. Many of suchfood products, such as chicken, seafood or vegetables are breaded beforebeing placed in hot oil for frying. The breading is usually a granularwheat product loosely bound to the food by moisture and egg albumin so avariety of particles thereof of different sizes tend to becomeunattached during the frying process. At first these pieces float, butafter substantial moisture is cooked out of them, they sink, falling tothe bottom of the fry pot of the fryer where they burn to discolor andimpart a burnt taste to the oil. The burnt particles encourage an earlybreakdown of the cooking oil. The burning occurs even when the fry potis designed to have a cool sump because the action of frying causesturbulence that keeps the oil at near the same temperature throughoutthe fry pot. For this reason many commercial food fryers are equippedwith an oil filter, which is used to remove the breading particles fromthe oil after a certain number of frying cycles. Typically this type offilter requires the fryer to be off-line while filtering. The fryer isusually emptied into a lower chamber where the filter is located. Foodcan not be cooked during this process. The actual number of cycles maydepend on the type and characteristics of the breaded food being fried.For example, the filtering of the cooking oil may be accomplished everythree to six frying cycles.

Although some filter systems require that the oil be cooled to almostroom temperature because of the filtering agents used, filtering isgenerally performed with the oil at or near normal frying temperatures.Typical oil filtering systems include a drain valve attached to thelower surface of the fry pot. A filter pan is placed underneath thedrain valve and the valve is opened. The hot oil then pours into thefilter pan with the operator taking care to avoid splashing that canresult in severe burns. Even when the operator is careful, splashing canoccur, so it may be preferred that the operator take the time to dressin protective clothing prior to the commencement of the filteringprocess. Such protective clothing commonly includes oil and heatresistant gloves, an oil and heat resistant apron, oil and heatresistant boots, and safety glasses.

Once the oil starts to drain, various scrappers and brushes are used toclean the sides of the fry pot and the electric heating element or gasflame tubes. When all of the cooking oil is drained and the fry pot ispartially clean, the drain valve is closed and the hot oil is pumpedback into fry pot until it is about ⅓ full. This clean oil is then usedto thoroughly wash the sides of the fry pot, after which the oil isagain drained and passed through the filter to remove any particles thatmight have been dislodged during the cleaning operation. The clean oilis then pumped back into the fry pot. After multiple filterings, thenumber of which are dependent upon the filter and the productaccumulating therein, the filter media must be changed. Generally thisis done after the oil has been pumped back into the fry pot and thefilter has had an opportunity to cool. The whole filtering operationeven in a highly automated food fryer can take as much as half an hourper frying pot, during which time the fryer is out of production. Infiltering systems where the oil must be cooled prior to filtering, thefryer may be out of use for as much as four hours.

As mentioned above, particulates or “dirt” in the filter encourages thebreakdown of the oil and shortens the usable life of the oil. Once theoil is unusable it must be discarded and replaced. It is believed thatif the oil is continuously filtered, the life of the oil can beextended. Therefore some continuous filters have been developed.However, the known continuous filters are relatively expensive such thatthese filters are only economical to large poultry producers and largeretail fried food producers and out of reach of many operators. Also,the known continuous filters require pressurized air which is often notavailable in locations, such as restaurants or other retailestablishments.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide a filter assembly and anassociated valve assembly. The filter assembly is configured to allowfor the continuous filtering of the frying oil and the valve assembly isconfigured to selectively connect the filter assembly to one or morevats of frying oil.

According to an embodiment, a filter assembly for filtering a liquid isprovided. The filter assembly includes a clean chamber, a dirty chamber,a clamping mechanism, and a pump. The clamping mechanism is configuredto move at least one of the dirty chamber and the clean chamber betweena closed position and an opened position. The clamping mechanism mayinclude a toggle clamp and a linear actuator. In the closed position,the dirty chamber and the clean chamber are compressed together such asto form a seal around a first section of a filter media. In the openedposition, the dirty chamber and the clean chamber are at least partiallyspaced apart to allow the removal of the first section of the media andthe insertion of a second section of the filter media. The pump isconfigured to create a vacuum force to draw the liquid through the dirtychamber and the clean chamber such that the liquid is filtered throughthe filter media between the dirty chamber and the clean chamber duringa filtering operation and to draw air through the dirty chamber and theclean chamber to facilitate removal of the liquid from the dirty chamberand the clean chamber during an evacuation operation.

The filter assembly may further include a valve arrangement having afirst configuration and a second configuration. In the firstconfiguration, the valve arrangement opens a passageway for the liquidto enter into the clean chamber and blocks a passageway for the air toenter into the clean chamber. In the second configuration, the valvearrangement blocks the passageway for the liquid to enter into the cleanchamber and opens the passageway for the air to enter into the cleanchamber. The valve arrangement may be a three-way valve.

The filter assembly may further include a motor configured to advancethe filter media through the filter assembly including between the dirtyand clean chambers in the opened position.

The filter assembly may further include a controller configured toselectively energize the pump, the valve arrangement, and the clampingmechanism. The controller may be configured to selectively energize thepump, the three-way valve, and the clamping mechanism based on a timecycle, a vacuum differential, or both.

The filter assembly may further include a frame and one or moreenclosure sheets for forming an enclosure and a supply reel forsupporting and storing one or more clean filter media sections. Thesupply reel is at least partially within the enclosure such that theclean filter media sections are at least partially protected fromexterior containments. In the closed position, the clean and dirtychambers may have a horizontal orientation.

In another embodiment, a valve assembly configured to selectivelyconnect the filter assembly to a plurality of vats of the liquid. Thevalve assembly includes a first valve, a second valve, an actuator, anda linking member. The first valve is configured to selectively connect afirst line extending from the filter assembly to the first valve to oneof a plurality of clean lines. Each clean line extends from the firstvalve to one of the plurality of vats. The second valve is configured toselectively connect a second line extending from the filter assembly tothe second valve to one of a plurality of dirty lines. Each dirty lineextends from the second valve to one of the plurality of vats. Each ofthe first valve and the second valve may be a five-ported valve. Theactuator is configured to provide a force. The linking member isconfigured to translate the force provided by the actuator onto each ofthe first valve and second valve such that the first valve and thesecond valve have equal movements.

According to another embodiment of the valve assembly, each of the firstvalve and the second valve may include a housing and a valve member. Thehousing may define a first port, a second port, and a third port. Eachport may be configured to receive an end of a line extending to eitherthe filter assembly or one of the plurality of vats. The valve membermay be configured to provide a passageway between the first port and oneof the other ports. The linking member may be configured to link thefirst valve and the second valve together such that a movement of thevalve member of the first valve causes an equal movement of the valvemember of the second valve.

The valve assembly may further include an actuator configured to providea force for moving the valve member of the first valve. Each of thefirst valve and the second valve may further include a fourth port and afifth port. The linking member may further include a first gearrotatably coupled to the first valve, a second gear rotatably coupled tothe second valve, and a chain linking the first and second gearstogether.

In another embodiment, a combination of a filter assembly and a valveassembly is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter assembly according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the filter assembly of FIG. 1 with theenclosure sheets removed and in a closed configuration;

FIG. 3 is the side view of the filter assembly of FIG. 1 with theenclosure sheets removed and in an opened configuration;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a filter assembly according to anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention in an closedconfiguration;

FIG. 5 is the side view of the filter assembly of FIG. 4 in an openedconfiguration;

FIG. 6 a is the same view as FIG. 4 with the frame removed forillustrative purposes;

FIG. 6 b is the same view as FIG. 5 with the frame removed fromillustrative purposes;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the filter assembly of FIG. 1, avat, and the interconnections between the filter assembly and the vat;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the filter assembly of FIG. 1, aplurality of vats, and the interconnections between the filter assemblyand the vats, including a valve assembly according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a five-ported valve housing;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the five-ported valve housing ofFIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a valve assembly according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a filter assembly according to anotherembodiment with a top lid in a closed position;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the filter assembly according to FIG.11A with the top lid in a opened position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to and provide a filterassembly. The filter assembly is configured to allow for the continuousfiltering of the frying oil, while the fryer is in operations (i.e.,frying food). The filter assembly may include a dirty chamber, a cleanchamber, a pump configured to suck the frying oil through the chambers,and a toggle clamp configured to move the filter assembly between aclosed configuration and an opened configuration. In the closedconfiguration, the filter assembly is configured to support and seal aportion of a filter media between the two chambers. In a filteringoperation, the pump sucks oil into the dirty chamber and through thefilter media and into the clean chamber in order to filter dirt from theoil. During an evacuation operation (also referred to as a dry cycle),residual oil is moved out of the chamber. Once the filter media portionbetween the chambers is dirtied and after the evacuation operation, thefilter assembly may be placed in the opened configuration. In the openedconfiguration, the filter assembly is configured to allow the removal ofnow dirtied filter media portion from between the chambers and theinsertion of a new clean filter media portion. The removal or dischargeof the dirtied filter media portion from between the chambers isreferred as a discharge operation.

FIG. 1 through FIG. 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the filterassembly. According to this illustrated embodiment, the filter assembly100 includes a frame 112, a pump 114, a linear actuator 116, a toggleclamp 118, a three-way valve 120, a first chamber (also referred toherein as the dirty chamber 122), and a second chamber (also referred toherein as the clean chamber 124). The filter assembly may furtherinclude a crumb box 126, a supply reel 128, a pick-up reel 130, and are-roller motor assembly 132.

During operations, the liquid being filtered, e.g, frying oil, maytravel through one or more of the elements of the filter assembly 100.The frying oil may be delivered from the fryer to the filter assembly100 to and through the three-way valve 120 and then to the dirty chamber122 to the clean chamber 124 and then to and through the pump 114 andback to the fryer.

The filter assembly 100 further includes one or more lines (e.g.,flexible or rigid tubes hoses, or pipes) for allowing the frying oil totravel through and to the three-way valve 120, the dirty and cleanchambers 122, 124 and the pump 114. Together the lines and the three-wayvalve 120, the dirty and clean chambers 122, 124 and the pump 114 definethe “plumbing” or the passageway of which the oil travels from an inlet134 of the filter assembly to an outlet 136 of the filter assembly.

For example, as illustrated, the filter assembly may include a firstline 138 that extends from the inlet 134 to the three-way valve 120, asecond line 140 that extends from the three-way valve 120 to the dirtychamber 122, a third line 142 that extends from the clean chamber 124 tothe pump 114, and a fourth line 144 that extends from the pump 114 tothe outlet 136. One of more sections of one or more of the lines may bea stainless steel braided hose that is Teflon® lined. For example, asection of the second line 140 may be a stainless steel braided hosethat is Teflon® lined to help accommodate the movement of the dirtychamber. As another example, the third line 142 may also have such asection.

The frame 112 includes one or more support members. In general, thesupport members 113 are configured to withstand the potential clampingforce exerted between the chambers. The support members 113 providesupport to one or more of the elements of the filter assembly. Morespecifically, one or more of the elements may be attached to one or moreof the support elements. The support members may be made from heavywalled structural tubing and may be made from various materials. As anexample, the support elements may be made from carbon steel. As anotherexample, the support elements may be made from stainless steel. Also, tokeep cost down, the support members may be made from commerciallyavailable material.

As shown in FIG. 1, the filter assembly may include one or more sheets146 of material attached to the frame (in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 the sheetsare removed for illustrative purposes). Together the sheets of material146 (also referred to as enclosure sheets) and the frame 112 define atleast a partial enclosure 148 for one or more of the elements of thefilter assembly. The enclosure 148 may help to keep clean some of theseelements and/or protect operators from these elements especially duringthe operation of the elements. However for some of the elements of thefilter assembly, it may be more beneficial to keep the elements outsideof the enclosure to allow easier access to these elements. For examplein the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, the supply andpick-up reels and the re-roller motor assembly are outside theenclosure. Moreover, at least one of the elements, such as the crumb box126, may be accessible even though it is mostly in the enclosure. Inparticular, an end of the crumb box 126 is accessible to an operatorsuch that the operator can remove the crumb box 126 from the enclosurein order to clean out the crumb box.

The filter assembly 100 also defines a media path. In particular, thesupply reel 128 is configured to receive a roll of media, referred toherein as a clean media supply roll 150. The media 154 is routed throughthe filter assembly such that a section or a portion of the media 154 isbetween the dirty and clean chambers 122, 124 along with a seal as bestseen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Beyond the chambers 122, 124, the media isrouted further to a roll on the pick-up reel referred to herein as thedirty media roll 152. The re-roller motor assembly 132 is configured topull or otherwise move the media from the clean media supply roll 50 tothe dirty media roll 152. For example, an end of the media may beattached to the pick-up reel and the re-roller motor assembly 132 mayrotate the pick-up reel for advancing the media toward the pick-up reel130.

Media, also referred to as filter media, may be paper, non-wovensynthetic material or other sheet-like material configured to preventthe passage of any particulates or matter above a certain size (e.g., 5microns) while letting particulates or matter below that size passthrough. As a further example, the media may be a nonwoven syntheticmaterial, made primarily of polyester or rayon or a combination ofpolyester and nylon. The basis weight of the media may be 0.8 oz/squareyard and higher.

As further explained below, the filter assembly 100 may have a firstconfiguration, referred to herein as the closed configuration, and asecond configuration, referred to herein as the opened configuration. Inthe closed configuration, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2, the dirty andcleaned chambers 122, 124 are compressed together for filteringoperations. In the opened configuration, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3,the dirty and cleaned chambers 122, 124 are at least partially spacedapart or uncompressed such that the media 154 can move between the two122, 124. The opened configuration allows for the discharging of dirtymedia and the insertion of clean media between the two chambers.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, the linearactuator 116 and the toggle clamp 118 provide a clamping mechanism ormeans for selectively compressing the dirty and clean chambers 122, 124.More specifically, the toggle clamp 118 moves the dirty chamber 122between a first position, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2, in which thedirty chamber 122 is compressed against the clean chamber 124 and thefilter assembly is in the closed configuration and a second position,e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3, in which the dirty chamber 122 is atleast partially spaced from the clean chamber 124 and the filterassembly is in the opened configuration. The toggle clamp 118 has beenfound to be a useful mechanism for clamping or compressing the chambers122, 124 together with enough force to help form an effective sealbetween the chambers 122, 124 even with the filter media extendingbetween the two.

In the illustrated embodiments, the toggle clamp includes a firstclamping member and a second clamping member. The inner ends of the twoclamping members are pivotally connected. The outer end of the firstclamping member is pivotally connected to the frame of the filterassembly. The outer end of the second clamping member is pivotallyconnected to the dirty chamber. The linear actuator is configured toengage the clamping members moving them between a locked configurationin which the two chambers are compressed together and an unlockedconfiguration in which the two chambers are spaced apart. This toggleclamp linkage is inexpensive, requires few parts, and is relatively easyto maintain compared to typical filter assemblies. Also, the toggleclamp is able to maintain the seal between the chambers 122, 124 even inthe event of a power loss, which may be viewed as a safety feature ofthe filter assembly.

In other embodiments, different clamping mechanism may be used. Forexample, the clamping mechanism may include a hydraulic cylinder, pumpand actuator where the hydraulic force from the pump drives the dirtychamber against the clean chamber via the actuator. As another example,an electric motor may be used to provide the clamping force or drive a“jack screw” mechanism.” And yet another example is an air cylinder orair bag that is actuated or inflated by compressed air.

In the illustrated embodiments, the clean chamber is stationary as thedirty chamber is moved between the first and second positions by thetoggle clamp. However, in other embodiments, the clean chamber may bethe moveable chamber via a clamping mechanism, such as a toggle clamp,and the dirty chamber may be stationary. In yet other embodiments, boththe clean and dirty chambers may be moveable between compressed andspaced positions via one or more clamping mechanisms.

FIG. 4 through FIG. 6 b illustrates another exemplary embodiment of afilter assembly 200 according to the present invention. According to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 through FIG. 6B, the filter assembly200 includes a frame 212, a pump 214, a linear actuator 216, a toggleclamp 218, a three-way valve 220, a dirty chamber 222, and a cleanchamber 224. The filter assembly may further include a crumb box 226, asupply reel 228, a pick-up reel 230, and a re-roller motor assembly 232.(In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the frame of the filter assembly is removed forillustrative purposes.)

In general, the elements of the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 throughFIG. 6B may function in the same manner as the corresponding elements ofthe illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 through FIG. 3. For example, in theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 through FIG. 6B. The filter assembly200 defines a media path. The supply reel 228 is configured to receive aclean media supply roll 250. The media 254 is routed through the filterassembly such that a section of the media 254 is between the dirty andclean chambers 222, 224. Beyond the chambers 222, 124, the media isrouted further to a dirty media roll 252. The re-roller motor assembly232 is configured to pull or otherwise move the media along a media pathor feed path from the clean media supply roll 250 to the dirty mediaroll 252.

The filter assembly 200 includes a closed configuration, e.g., asillustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6A, and an opened configuration, e.g., asillustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6B. In the closed configuration, thedirty and cleaned chambers 222, 224 are compressed together forfiltering operations. In the opened configuration, the dirty and cleanedchambers 222, 224 are at least partially spaced apart such that themedia 154 can move between the two 222, 224. The opened configurationallows for the discharging of dirty media and the insertion of cleanmedia between the two chambers. The linear actuator 216 and the toggleclamp 218 provide a clamping mechanism or means for selectivelycompressing the dirty and clean chambers 122, 124 together, e.g., movingone or both of the dirty and clean chambers 222, 224 between the openedand closed positions.

The orientation dirty and clean chambers of the filter assembly mayvary. As examples, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 through FIG.3, the dirty and clean chambers 122, 124 have a vertical orientation. Inthe illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 through FIG. 6B, the dirty andclean chambers 222, 224 have a horizontal orientation. The horizontalorientation may help to maximize the oil flow from the dirty chamber 222to the cleaned chamber during the filtering operation and the evacuationoperation and minimize the oil residual that may escape from between thechambers 222, 224 as the chambers are opened and closed during thedischarged operation.

As discussed above, the filter assembly includes a frame that defines anenclosure with one or more enclosure sheets and that one or more of theelements may be in or out of the enclosure depending on safety andconvenience considerations. Unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1through FIG. 3, the clean media roll 250 of the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 4 through FIG. 6B is supported and held within the enclosure.Although placing the clean media roll 250 within the enclosure limitsthe access to the roll 250, it also helps shield the clean media roll250 from possible containments prior to its use.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b, the filterassembly 1100 includes a top enclosure sheet that forms a lid 1110. Morespecifically, according to this illustrated embodiment, an end 1112 ofthe lid is pivotally connected to a support member of the frame 1114 ofthe filter assembly allowing the lid 1110 to move between an openedposition, as illustrated FIG. 11A, and a closed position, as illustratedin FIG. 11B. In the opened position, the lid 1110 provides an opening oraccess to the enclosure 1120 of the frame assembly including to theclean media roll 1122. In the closed position, the lid closes theopening and forms part of the enclosure along with the other enclosuresheets.

The interconnections between the piping and elements may be at leastpartially formed or supported through quick-changed clamps, i.e., clampsconfigured to be secured and released without the use of tools. Forexample and as illustrated in FIG. 4 through FIG. 6B, one or moresanitary tri-clamp fittings 260 may be used. The use of such fittingsmay allow for the easy removal and reattachment of the elements from therest of the filter assembly during maintenance or cleaning operations.

As a specific example, at least one of the dirty chamber and the cleanchamber may be connected through one or more quick-changed clamps. Anoperator may be able to remove the dirty chamber or the clean chamber byreleasing the clamps and then removing (e.g., pulling) the chamber fromthe frame assembly. Moreover, at least one of the dirty chamber and theclean chamber may be dimensioned such that it fits into a conventionaldishwasher, such as a dishwasher commonly found in a restaurant,allowing the dirty chamber, the clean chamber, or both to be washed in adishwasher. At least one of the dirty chamber and the clean chamber maybe made from aluminum (e.g., anodized aluminum) allowing the chamber orchambers to be relatively light making it easier to handle the chamberor chambers.

The filter assembly may further include one or more cooling fans. Forexample and as illustrated in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, the filter assembly1100 may include a fan assembly 1162 configured to circulate air withinthe enclosure 1120 to help cool the elements of the filter assemblyduring operations.

The operations of the filter assembly according to the illustratedembodiments of FIG. 1 through FIG. 6B will now be explained in moredetail. As mentioned above, for filtering operations, the dirty chamberand clean chamber have a section of the media. The dirty and cleanchamber are be “clamped” together via the toggle clamp linkage andlinear actuator. When the chambers are clamped together in the closedposition, the section of media is trapped and sealed between the twochambers. The pump energizes and sucks the dirty oil from a fryer vat tothe filter assembly. The dirty oil travels through the three-way valveassembly, into the dirty chamber, passes through the media, whereparticulate and contaminants are captured. The oil passes through themedia into the clean chamber then flows to the pump under a vacuumpressure created by the pump. Once at the pump, the now cleaned orcleaner oil travels under pressure back to the fryer.

The operations of the filter assembly may be controlled by a controller(e.g., a programmable logic controller or a PCB/dedicated controller) ofthe filter assembly. For example, according to the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, the filter assembly includes a control box 180that includes a housing and controller along a side of the filterassembly 100. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.4 through FIG. 6, the control box 280 with the controller 282 is locatedat the front end of the filter assembly. The controller may beconfigured to run the filtering operation until a time cycle hascompleted or until a vacuum differential pressure has been reached. Onceeither a time cycle has been completed or a vacuum differential has beenreached, the controller may be configured to run a discharge operation.In some embodiment, the filter assembly may include a vacuum switch tomonitor the vacuum differential.

The discharge operation may include the three-way valve changingpositions to allow air to be sucked into the plumbing of the filterassembly. Other embodiments may include a different valve arrangement,e.g., two individual valves may be used. However, the three-way valvemay be preferred in some embodiments due to cost, control, size, andsafety considerations. Allowing air into the plumbing facilitates theremoval of any oil in the clean and dirty chambers prior to removing theclamping force between the two chambers. In the illustrated embodiments,the air that is sucked into the plumbing is at atmospheric pressure. Inother words, the air is not pressurized (beyond the natural pressure ofthe local environment). Once the oil has been removed based on a timedcycle the pump may be turned off.

After the pump is turned off, the linear actuator may be energized andextended. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the extension of thelinear actuator manipulates the mechanical linkage associated with thetoggle clamp and opens or removes the clamping force between the twochambers. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiments,the dirty chamber is pivoted away from the section of media and theclean chamber. Once opened, the re-roller motor assembly may beenergized to pull the section of dirtied media from between the twochambers which may also allow for any crumbs and solids to fall into thecrumb pan. The operation of the re-roller motor assembly may be based ona timed cycle such that the appropriate amount of media is advanced suchthat the dirty section is advanced past the chambers and a new cleansection of media is positioned between the clean and dirty chambers. Asanother example, the operation of the re-roller motor may be based on acounter configured to determine the length of media being dispensed fromthe supply. The counter, such as counter 156 illustrated in FIG. 1, mayinclude one or more proximity sensors configured to detect spaced screwson a wheel attached to an end of the roller. Moreover, the controllermay be configured to monitor the counter in order to determine when thesupply of clean media is empty and then trigger an alarm or shut downthe operations of the frying assembly to prevent the filter assemblyfrom operating without media.

The linear actuator may be energized in the reverse direction andretracted. As illustrated, the retraction of the linear actuatormanipulates the mechanical linkage associated with the toggle clamp suchthat a clamping force is applied to the dirty and clean chambers. Morespecifically, according to the illustrated embodiments, the dirtychamber is pivoted against the new clean media section and the cleanchamber. Once in the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG.5, the three-way valve may change positions again, the pump may beenergized again such that the oil is sucked backed into the filterassembly and the filtering operations may begin again. Again theoperations described above including the discharge operations may becontrolled as least partially by a controller of the filter assembly.The above sequences may continue until the filter assembly is turned offor the dirty media roll is full to capacity, or the clean supply roll isempty.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the filter assembly 100 according to anexemplary embodiment configured to filter the oil from a fryer 700. Inparticular, a first line 710 (e.g., a pipe) extends from near the bottomof the fryer 700 to the inlet 134 of the filter assembly and a secondline 712 (e.g., a pipe) extends from the outlet 136 of the filterassembly to the fryer. The first line 710 transfers the dirty or dirtieroil from the fryer 700 to the filter assembly 100 and thus may bereferred to as a dirty line. As explained above, the oil is deliveredthrough the plumbing of the filter assembly including through the mediawhere the oil is filtered and back out the outlet 136 of the filterassembly. The second line 712 transfers the cleaned or cleaner oil fromthe filter assembly 100 back to the fryer 700 and thus may be referredto as a clean line.

Typically, a restaurant has a “fryer” that has multiple “sinks” or“vats” for segregating what the fryer is frying to avoid flavortransfer, and to be able to fry multiple foods at one time. Embodimentsof the filter assembly may be configured to filter one or more separatevats of frying oil at a time. For example, according to the embodimentof FIG. 8, the filter assembly 100 is configured to filter up to fourvats 802, 804, 806, 808, with the use of a valve assembly 810.

The valve assembly may be located at or near the fryer. By locating thevalve assembly near the fryer, the length of plumbing, e.g., the sets ofclean and dirty lines running toward the valve assembly, may be reduced.The valve assembly 810 may be connected to the filter assembly 100through a clean line 812 and a dirty line 814. The valve assembly 810may be connected to the fryer 800 through up to four sets of lines goingto the fryer 800, each set to an individual vat 802, 804, 806, 808. Eachset of lines may include a clean line and dirty line 816 a, 816 b, 818a, 818 b, 820 a, 820 b, 822 a, 822 b.

The valve assembly 810 is configured to selectively connect the filterassembly 100 to one of the vats 802, 804, 806, 808. For example and asillustrated in FIG. 9 a through FIG. 10, the valve assembly may includea first five-ported valve 1010 and a second five-ported valve 1012. Eachvalve includes a valve housing 910 that defines five ports 912, 914,916, 918, 920. The first valve 1010 is in communication with each of theclean lines. Specifically, each port of the first valve housing receivesan end of a clean line such that all five clean lines (i.e., one fromthe filter assembly and four from the vats) extend into the first valvehousing. Similarly, the second valve is in communication with each ofthe dirty lines. Specifically, each port of the second valve housingreceives an end of a dirty line such that all five dirty lines (i.e.,one from the filter assembly and four from the vats) extend into thesecond valve housing. Each valve 1010, 1012 further includes a valvemember, such as a ball 1014, 1016. The ball or other valve memberdefines an interior passageway for connecting two of the ports togetherwhile blocking the other ports. Therefore, as oil enters the valvehousing, the oil is directed from the first connected port to the secondconnected port and is blocked by the ball from reaching the unconnectedports.

In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the ball 1014, 1016defines an L-shaped passageway 1015, 1017 for connecting the first portin communication with the filter assembly with one of the other ports incommunication with one of the vats. The ball is movable to at least fourdifferent positions. In each position, the L-shaped passageway is linedup between the first port and one of the other ports. In order toconnect the filter assembly with one of the vats, the ball is moveduntil the L-shaped passageway is lined up between the port for that vatand the port for the filter assembly.

The valve assembly may further include an actuator 1030 and a linkingmember 1032. The actuator, e.g., an electric motor, is configured toprovide the force to move the valve members. The linking member isconfigured to translate that force from the actuator onto both valvessuch that the valve members of the valves move together. Specifically,each valve member 1014, 1016 may be rotatably coupled to a stem 1018,1020 such that rotation of the stem creates a rotation of the valvemember. The linking member may include a first gear 1034, a second gear1036, and a chain 1038 rotatably linking the first gear and the secondgear together. A shaft of the actuator 1030 may be rotatably coupled tothe first gear such that as the shaft of the actuator rotates thatrotation is translated as a rotation in both the valves. Moreover, therotation in one valve may be equal to the rotation in the otherembodiment.

A controller, e.g., the controller 282 of the filter assembly, may beconfigured to control the operations of the valve assembly such that thefilter assembly will continuously filter each vat for set period of timein sequence. The set period of time may be adjusted or set by anoperator. In such embodiment, the controller may send instructions oractivate or energize the actuator in order to change the valveconfigurations and cycle through each of the vats.

The filter assembly may include one or more proximity sensors. Forexample, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B,the filter assembly 200 may include a first proximity sensor 290 locatednear a front enclosure sheet configured to detect the presence of thefront enclosure sheet and a second proximity sensor 294 located near thetop enclosure sheet (or a lid 1110 as illustrated in FIG. 11A and FIG.11B) to detect the presence of the top enclosure sheet. As a safetyfeature, the controller may prevent the operations of the filterassembly when either the front enclosure sheet or the top enclosuresheet is missing which is detectable by the first and second proximitysensors. The front and top enclosures sheets may be configured to bereadily removable by an operator for maintenance, cleaning, or reloadingpurposes. The use of the proximity sensors helps to ensure theseenclosure sheets are reinstalled prior to the operation of the filterassembly. Similarly, the filter assembly may include other proximitysensors configured to detect the presence, or lack thereof, of one ormore other enclosure sheets.

The filter assembly may further include proximity sensors to detect thepositions of one or more of the chambers or to determine whether thefilter assembly is in the opened configuration or the closedconfiguration. For example and as illustrated in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B,the filter assembly 200 includes a third proximity sensor 291 and afourth proximity sensor 292. The third and fourth proximity sensors 291,291 may be located near and configured to detect the position of thetoggle clamp which allows the controller to determine the configurationof the filter assembly.

The filter assembly described herein may allow for the filtering of theoil continuously while frying which minimizes the downtime for a fryerand extends the useable life of the oil. Also, the filter assembly maybe effective in filtering down to relative small sizes of particulatesor dirt. For example, in one embodiment the filtering assembly mayfilter down to the one to five micron range. The size at which thefilter assembly can filter a particulate may be generally a function ofthe media and build up (e.g., dirt) on the media. Also, the filterassembly may be substantially automatic in that the filter assembly maybe configured to change out the dirty media and thus the filter assemblyrequires less work from the operator than in some conventional filters.For the illustrated embodiment, the filter assembly may work with 120 VAC single phase power and not require any air or hydraulics, which makesthe filter assembly relatively inexpensive to operate and maintain. Withthe use of the “toggle clamp” design to “clamp shut” the two chambers,embodiments of the filter assembly provide an intrinsic safety featurein that the seal between the two chambers is maintain even in the eventof a power loss. Also, the valve assembly allows for the filtering of aplurality of vats and the linking member allows for the control of thetwo separate valves with a single actuator. In the illustratedembodiment, a single pump is placed downstream of the clean and dirtychambers for creating a vacuum force. The vacuum force has been foundeffective to draw oil and atmospheric air through the plumbing of thefilter assembly without the need to use pressurized air or otherwiserequire a second force for the evacuation operation.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

1. A filter assembly for filtering a liquid, the filter assembly comprising: a clean chamber; a dirty chamber; and a clamping mechanism configured to move at least one of the dirty chamber and the clean chamber between a closed position and an opened position, wherein in the closed position, the dirty chamber and the clean chamber are compressed together such as to form a seal around a first section of a filter media and in the opened position, the dirty chamber and the clean chamber are at least partially spaced apart to allow the removal of the first section of the media and the insertion of a second section of the filter media; and a pump configured to create a vacuum force to draw the liquid through the dirty chamber and the clean chamber such that the liquid is filtered through the filter media between the dirty chamber and the clean chamber during a filtering operation and to draw air through the dirty chamber and the clean chamber to facilitate removal of the liquid from the dirty chamber and the clean chamber during an evacuation operation, wherein the clamping mechanism includes a toggle clamp and a linear actuator, wherein the toggle clamp includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member, wherein the first clamping member is pivotally connected to an end of the second clamping member to define an actuation region and the linear actuator is configured to engage at least one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member at the actuation region to move the dirty chamber and the clean chamber between the closed position and the open position.
 2. The filter assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a valve arrangement having a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration, the valve arrangement opens a passageway for the liquid to enter into the dirty chamber and blocks a passageway for the air to enter into the dirty chamber and, in the second configuration, the valve arrangement blocks the passageway for the liquid to enter into the dirty chamber and opens the passageway for the air to enter into the dirty chamber.
 3. The filter assembly according to claim 2, wherein the valve arrangement is a three-way valve.
 4. The filter assembly according to claim 2 further comprising a motor configured to advance the filter media through the filter assembly including between the dirty and clean chambers in the opened position.
 5. The filter assembly according to claim 3 further comprising a controller configured to selectively energize the pump, the valve arrangement, and the clamping mechanism.
 6. The filter assembly according to claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to selectively energize the pump, the three-way valve, and the clamping mechanism based on at least one of a time cycle and a vacuum differential.
 7. A combination of the filter assembly according to claim 1 and a valve assembly configured to selectively connect the filter assembly to a plurality of vats of the liquid.
 8. The combination according to claim 7, wherein the valve assembly includes: a first valve configured to selectively connect a first line extending from the filter assembly to the first valve to one of a plurality of clean lines, wherein each clean line extends from the first valve to one of the plurality of vats; a second valve configured to selectively connect a second line extending from the filter assembly to the second valve to one of a plurality of dirty lines, wherein each dirty line extends from the second valve to one of the plurality of vats; an actuator configured to provide a force; and a linking member configured to translate the force provided by the actuator onto each of the first valve and second valve such that the first valve and the second valve have equal movements.
 9. The combination according to claim 8, wherein each of the first valve and the second valve is a five-ported valve.
 10. A filter assembly for filtering a liquid, the filter assembly comprising: a clean chamber; a dirty chamber; and a clamping mechanism that includes a toggle clamp and a linear actuator, wherein the toggle clamp comprises a first clamping member and a second clamping member, each clamping member defining an inner end and an outer end, wherein the inner end of the first clamping member is pivotally connected to the inner end of the second clamping member to define an actuation region, the outer end of the first clamping member is pivotally connected to a frame of the filter assembly, and the outer end of the second clamping member is pivotally connected to one of the dirty chamber and the clean chamber, and wherein the linear actuator is configured to engage at least one of the first and second clamping members at the actuation region to move the one of the dirty chamber and the clean chamber between a closed position and an opened position, wherein in the closed position, the dirty chamber and the clean chamber are compressed together such as to form a seal around a first section of a filter media and in the opened position, the dirty chamber and the clean chamber are at least partially spaced apart to allow the removal of the first section of the filter media and the insertion of a second section of the filter media.
 11. The filter assembly according to claim 10 further comprising a pump configured to create a force to encourage the liquid through the dirty chamber and the clean chamber such that the liquid is filtered through the filter media between the dirty chamber and the clean chamber during a filtering operation and to encourage air through the dirty chamber and the clean chamber to facilitate removal of the liquid from the dirty chamber and the clean chamber.
 12. The filter assembly according to claim 11, wherein the pump is configured to create a vacuum force to pull the liquid and air through the clean chamber and the dirty chamber.
 13. The filter assembly according to claim 11 further comprising one or more enclosure sheets attached to the frame for forming an enclosure and a supply reel for supporting and storing one or more clean filter media sections, wherein the supply reel is at least partially within the enclosure such that the clean filter media sections are at least partially protected from exterior contaminants.
 14. The filter assembly according to claim 11, wherein, in the closed position, the clean and dirty chambers have a horizontal orientation.
 15. A combination of the filter assembly according to claim 10 and a valve assembly configured to selectively connect the filter assembly to a plurality of vats of the liquid.
 16. The combination according to claim 15, wherein the valve assembly includes: a first valve configured to selectively connect a first line extending from the filter assembly to the first valve to one of a plurality of clean lines, wherein each clean line extends from the first valve to one of the plurality of vats; a second valve configured to selectively connect a second line extending from the filter assembly to the second valve to one of a plurality of dirty lines, wherein each dirty line extends from the second valve to one of the plurality of vats.
 17. The combination according to claim 16, wherein each of the first valve and the second valve is a five-ported valve.
 18. A filter assembly for filtering a liquid, the filter assembly comprising: a clean chamber; a dirty chamber; and a clamping mechanism configured to move at least one of the dirty chamber and the clean chamber, the clamping mechanism comprising a toggle clamp and a linear actuator, wherein the toggle clamp includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member, wherein the first clamping member is pivotally connected to an end of the second clamping member to define an actuation region and the linear actuator is configured to engage at least one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member at the actuation region such that the toggle clamp is able to move at least one of the dirty chamber and the clean chamber between a closed position and an opened position in reaction to a force generated by the linear actuator, wherein in the closed position, the dirty chamber and the clean chamber are compressed together such as to form a seal around a first section of a filter media and in the opened position, the dirty chamber and the clean chamber are at least partially spaced apart to allow the removal of the first section of the filter media and the insertion of a second section of the filter media.
 19. The filter assembly of claim 18 further comprising a pump configured to create a vacuum force to draw the liquid through the dirty chamber and the clean chamber such that the liquid is filtered through the filter media between the dirty chamber and the clean chamber during a filtering operation and to draw air through the dirty chamber and the clean chamber to facilitate removal of the liquid from the dirty chamber and the clean chamber during an evacuation operation. 